A Record Number of Central and South Texans Receive Organ Transplants in 2013

SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A record 436 people received life-saving organ transplants in 2013 thanks to 119 selfless donors in Central and South Texas according to Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA). 25% of the donors chose to give the Gift of Life by registering online or when they renewed their Driver's License.

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Texas Organ Sharing Alliance, the Organ Procurement Organization in Central and South Texas, works closely with families when their loved one has the opportunity to donate. TOSA data shows a dramatic increase in both registered donors as well as the amount of organs transplanted.

"In 2013 we saw the number of registered donors grow significantly which helped alleviate a potential burden from many families in considering donation after a tragedy occurred. By registering to be official organ donors, those selfless and compassionate individuals gave their families a very special kind of support and comfort in knowing their loved one's intent to donate," states TOSA CEO, Patrick Giordano. "Last year, 119 people saved the lives of 436 people who were awaiting an organ transplant. That is a dramatic increase from 2012 when 94 Central and South Texans donated, saving the lives of 353 people."  

Pam Porter lost her precious son after the nine-year-old experienced a sudden brain aneurysm. When her family was given the opportunity to donate his organs their answer was an unequivocal yes. "We take comfort in knowing that five people have been able to enjoy their families and their lives longer than if we had not donated Scott's organs. Scott was a spiritual child and we felt very firmly that Scott would want this," states Pam.

Nationally, nine out of 10 people support organ donation yet may fail to register as donors and share their wishes with family members. Texans are encouraged to register at http://www.DonateLifeTexas.org/ and discuss their wishes with their families. For more information about organ donation programs and community initiatives, call Texas Organ Sharing Alliance at 866-685-0277 or visit us at www.txorgansharing.org

Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA) is federally designated as the only organ procurement organization in Central and South Texas for 56 counties including cities of San Antonio, Austin, San Angelo, Waco, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. 

Contact: Michelle Segovia
[email protected]
512.459.4848 x 2202

SOURCE Texas Organ Sharing Alliance